ZAMBALES — Zambales is strengthening its position as a destination for international events after placing second runner-up in the Best Event Hosting (International) – Province Category at the 2026 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards.
The recognition cited the province’s hosting of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in December 2025, which drew nearly 24,000 local and international scouts, generating opportunities for tourism businesses and local communities.
The large-scale gathering demonstrated Zambales’ capacity to accommodate international events, which can drive demand for accommodation, food services, transportation and other tourism-related businesses.
Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Domitela D. Mora and Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Kevin Lesaca Nacabuan received the award on October 21, 2026, in Ormoc City, together with Department of Tourism (DOT) Region III Regional Director Richard G. Daenos and municipal tourism representatives from Botolan, Masinloc and Olongapo.
The achievement reflects the coordination among the provincial government, local tourism offices and partner organizations in staging the jamboree under the leadership of Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr.
Beyond recognition, the award highlights the potential of event tourism to expand visitor arrivals, increase spending in local establishments and strengthen demand for tourism services across the province.
Zambales’ ability to host major international gatherings could also help attract future conferences, sporting events and other large-scale activities, broadening its tourism market beyond conventional leisure travel.
The ATOP Pearl Awards recognize tourism programs and initiatives of local government units that contribute to the development of the Philippine tourism industry.
For Zambales, the distinction reinforces the value of developing event-hosting capabilities as part of a broader strategy to support tourism enterprises, create livelihood opportunities and generate economic activity in local communities.
